Scandal on the Beach in Gazimağusa: Visitors Forbidden to Eat Their Own Food

A conflict erupted at Glapsides Beach in the Gazimağusa area, where the private establishment Loof Beach operates. According to the movement “Beleşe Deniz Plajlar Halkındır” (“The Sea is Free, Beaches Belong to the People”), visitors are being prohibited from bringing and consuming their own food, sparking outrage among citizens.

One beachgoer reported arriving with his wife and child, renting sunbeds, only to be told shortly after by staff to remove their brought-in food, citing internal rules. When the man objected, staff allegedly behaved aggressively and said, “These are our rules, complain wherever you want.” The establishment’s manager also got into a dispute with the visitor.

Additionally, activists report that service prices at the beach—especially for sunbed and parking rental—exceed the legally mandated limits: no more than 5 lira for a sunbed and 3 lira for parking. Current legislation also does not prohibit the consumption of personal food and beverages.

The citizen turned to the Gazimağusa municipality for clarification but was told the administration is only responsible for beaches under its direct control. Movement representatives consider this unacceptable, reminding that by law, local authorities are responsible for all beaches, including leased ones.

Previously, Gazimağusa Mayor Süleyman Uluçay promised to create a hotline for complaints regarding beachgoers’ rights violations, but according to activists, this promise has not been fulfilled.

The movement “Beleşe Deniz Plajlar Halkındır” has already filed complaints with the relevant authorities and declared its intention to fight for citizens’ rights to free beach access and fair treatment.